Anyone watching? We have a lot of international users.
I'll root for the home team. Also Spain (considering moving there and need to get a jump on the national obsession), Haiti (friends), South Africa (for Trevor), Scotland (for Alex). Not sure if Claws cares about Germany. Anyone else?
Looks like I may be the only one paying minimal attention. Haiti was eliminated last night (it was an acheivement just to make the field, though). South Africa is also gone, and it's not looking good for Scotland.
Quote from: Rev. Powell on June 20, 2026, 10:43:05 AMLooks like I may be the only one paying minimal attention. Haiti was eliminated last night (it was an acheivement just to make the field, though). South Africa is also gone, and it's not looking good for Scotland.
I'm watching as many games as possible as I've always liked the game which I played in primary school and high school.
Made me go 😳😳 when Ismael Kone broke his leg 😳😳
Quote from: Trevor on June 20, 2026, 10:55:57 AMQuote from: Rev. Powell on June 20, 2026, 10:43:05 AMLooks like I may be the only one paying minimal attention. Haiti was eliminated last night (it was an acheivement just to make the field, though). South Africa is also gone, and it's not looking good for Scotland.
I'm watching as many games as possible as I've always liked the game which I played in primary school and high school.
Made me go 😳😳 when Ismael Kone broke his leg 😳😳
Any rooting interest besides SA?
Quote from: Rev. Powell on June 20, 2026, 11:09:06 AMQuote from: Trevor on June 20, 2026, 10:55:57 AMQuote from: Rev. Powell on June 20, 2026, 10:43:05 AMLooks like I may be the only one paying minimal attention. Haiti was eliminated last night (it was an acheivement just to make the field, though). South Africa is also gone, and it's not looking good for Scotland.
I'm watching as many games as possible as I've always liked the game which I played in primary school and high school.
Made me go 😳😳 when Ismael Kone broke his leg 😳😳
Any rooting interest besides SA?
I've always liked England, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands so I always watch their games.
Brazil aren't the major force they once were and Argentina aren't the same without Mr Hand of God Diego Marijuana 😉😉
I never expect Scotland to get past the first round (I don't think many fans do). Its more about being an excuse to go off somewhere and have a good time. My interest in football is fairly minimal, though (I couldn't name a single international-level player from any country when I was asked last week).
I tend to hope that some small, unexpected country will win the whole tournament, but good luck to whichever country(s) you choose to support. Normally, every workplace has a sweepstake, but for whatever reason, there hasn't been one where I am just now. If anyone else has one, best of luck winning it.
Not really following it. Things are pretty muted over here. There have been times when the national team was seriously hyped up, only to disappoint. With two draws so far (against Egypt and Iran), things aren't looking too good this time around as well.
It's hard for us Americans to wrap our heads around the concept of a thrilling 0-0 tie, but I have to admit I was rooting for Ghana to tie England.
I'm hoping north Korea beats Mars.
Not that I really care, but I think it'd be nice to see a small African country or something win the tournament. The england game was on in the background and the people who like to watch those games certainly seemed quite upset with their team's performance. I'd have thought the result from the first game, while still a win would have given them cause to worry.
Quote from: Rev. Powell on June 23, 2026, 05:03:48 PMIt's hard for us Americans to wrap our heads around the concept of a thrilling 0-0 tie, but I have to admit I was rooting for Ghana to tie England.
I am delighted our team of overpaid dullards couldn't even beat Ghana. Ghana actually defended really well
we are the most boring overhyped international team, I've given up even rooting for my own country here...
I've predicted Brazil to beat Scotland 5-1 later, no offence Alex :teddyr:
Quote from: zombie no.one on June 24, 2026, 12:54:41 PMQuote from: Rev. Powell on June 23, 2026, 05:03:48 PMIt's hard for us Americans to wrap our heads around the concept of a thrilling 0-0 tie, but I have to admit I was rooting for Ghana to tie England.
I am delighted our team of overpaid dullards couldn't even beat Ghana. Ghana actually defended really well
we are the most boring overhyped international team, I've given up even rooting for my own country here...
I've predicted Brazil to beat Scotland 5-1 later, no offence Alex :teddyr:
Don't worry. As I don't care about football, it wouldn't bother me if it came true.
ah fair enough
currently 2-0 to Brazil at half time... plus they had 1 disallowed ... might've been a bit generous predicting Scotland to actually score, don't think they've had a shot yet
edit, only 3-0 in the end... so not a thrashing, but Scotland were about as dangerous as a deep fried curly wurly
And South Africa made it through to the next round.
Wow: wasn't expecting that 😅🤣🇿🇦
Wordle 1,832 4/6*
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Oops, sorry, I thought this was the Wordle cup thread.
As long as the Scottish fans don't riot after losing then that is about as much as I'll be concerned about it. The other day I realised I couldn't actually name a single international player, whereas in previous world cups, I've at least known of the very top players and what country they play for. This time around I got nothing.
Best of luck to all the teams still in the competition.
Quote from: Rev. Powell on June 25, 2026, 10:54:54 AMOops, sorry, I thought this was the Wordle cup thread.
😃😀😅🐢
ADHD:
This thread keeps reminding me of that year everybody started wearing those checkerboard slip-on shoes.....
Good for Ecuador. I'll almost always root for the smaller country.
Quote from: Rev. Powell on June 25, 2026, 04:59:46 PMGood for Ecuador. I'll almost always root for the smaller country.
unbelievable result. can't remember Germany losing to a team that low down before
I just read on X that the Uruguayan Government canceled the team's chartered plane and the team will now fly home on a commercial airliner. ✈️😳😳
I heard that's Scotland out of the contest. It looked like it was fun while it lasted. I don't know if any of the other home nations beyond England are still in, although if they are based on their results so far I can't see them going on to win it. Letting in two goals in the first game, and then drawing in their second makes me think they just aren't good enough.
I've not heard anything about what nations are looking strong and are in the favourites pool. I'd imagine its the usual suspects though and it will come down to a European or South American team. I've agreed to support a friends national team since Scotland is out, although since I only know them online and I don't know what country they are actually from I do not know who I am actually giving my fairly tepid at best support to.
South Africa take on Canada later tonight so 🇿🇦🇨🇦🐢
England is actually tied for 3rd best odds to win it all. France is the favorite.
England don't win world cups (except when it's held in England) :teddyr:
it's 30 years since this song was released to mark 30 years since England won it (if that makes sense)
https://youtu.be/RJqimlFcJsM?is=lgk4Zf_xZL5rSLDq
Quote from: zombie no.one on June 28, 2026, 11:45:48 AMEngland don't win world cups (except when it's held in England) :teddyr:
it's 30 years since this song was released to mark 30 years since England won it (if that makes sense)
https://youtu.be/RJqimlFcJsM?is=lgk4Zf_xZL5rSLDq
I wonder if they'll update the lyrics to say 60 years of hurt?
Have they got any better at penalty shootouts? I remember they used to be notorious for cracking under pressure on them, and one of them even made money from a pizza chain advert about it, although I couldn't name the player.
Quote from: zombie no.one on June 28, 2026, 11:45:48 AMEngland don't win world cups (except when it's held in England) :teddyr:
it's 30 years since this song was released to mark 30 years since England won it (if that makes sense)
https://youtu.be/RJqimlFcJsM?is=lgk4Zf_xZL5rSLDq
I'll always remember the Three Lions 1998 version, especially that video which was very funny. 😃😀
Quote from: Alex on June 28, 2026, 12:28:01 PMQuote from: zombie no.one on June 28, 2026, 11:45:48 AMEngland don't win world cups (except when it's held in England) :teddyr:
it's 30 years since this song was released to mark 30 years since England won it (if that makes sense)
https://youtu.be/RJqimlFcJsM?is=lgk4Zf_xZL5rSLDq
I wonder if they'll update the lyrics to say 60 years of hurt?
Have they got any better at penalty shootouts? I remember they used to be notorious for cracking under pressure on them, and one of them even made money from a pizza chain advert about it, although I couldn't name the player.
hah, forgot about that ad... without checking I want to say it was stuart pearce, chris waddle, and gareth southgate. all of whom missed pens that got us knocked out ( but that wasn't all of them who did)
edit, yeah it was those 3...
https://youtu.be/KvZWGYkTR7U?is=thxLClkqY-5JKWF4
Quote from: Trevor on June 28, 2026, 12:44:41 PMQuote from: zombie no.one on June 28, 2026, 11:45:48 AMEngland don't win world cups (except when it's held in England) :teddyr:
it's 30 years since this song was released to mark 30 years since England won it (if that makes sense)
https://youtu.be/RJqimlFcJsM?is=lgk4Zf_xZL5rSLDq
I'll always remember the Three Lions 1998 version, especially that video which was very funny. 😃😀
I must've heard this at the time but no recollection... just watched the vid. not surprised they changed the chorus, "thirty two years of hurt" would've sounded a bit clunky
Politicians in South Korea are calling for the entire South Korean Football Association to resign after the coach resigned 😳😳 🇰🇷
And now Japan and Germany are out too. 😳😳
Good for Paraguay. :thumbup:
Morocco beating Holland was another upset.
Ivory Coast gave Norway a tough game
France Vs Sweden later should be a good game... think it'll be close but France'll win
edit, okay that wasn't close... tres bien le french!
DRC are currently 1 goal up. I am really hoping they win and go on in the competition. Seems to be a lot of the bigger footballing nations conceding an early goal to smaller nations.
England beat DR Congo 2-1.
While I'm browsing Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge keeps opening up to tell me the latest scores.....
Pretty annoying.....
Congo should've won that game, our boring overpaid prats got lucky
Quote from: zombie no.one on July 01, 2026, 02:51:25 PMCongo should've won that game, our boring overpaid prats got lucky
I wasn't expecting England to win to be honest.
Quote from: Trevor on July 01, 2026, 03:27:54 PMQuote from: zombie no.one on July 01, 2026, 02:51:25 PMCongo should've won that game, our boring overpaid prats got lucky
I wasn't expecting England to win to be honest.
nobody expects the English WINquisition! :twirl:
And we're through! Belgium beat Senegal after what I gather was a very tense match. So we are doing better than Germany and Holland, which is something.
First time I've been woken up by noisy supporters this World Cup
Quote from: Dr. Whom on July 02, 2026, 12:47:44 AMAnd we're through! Belgium beat Senegal after what I gather was a very tense match. So we are doing better than Germany and Holland, which is something.
First time I've been woken up by noisy supporters this World Cup
I think I kind assumed you were English for some reason... didn't realise you were Belgiumish. :smile:
you guys have chocolate and JCVD... anything else is a bonus
Quote from: zombie no.one on July 02, 2026, 07:36:48 AMQuote from: Dr. Whom on July 02, 2026, 12:47:44 AMAnd we're through! Belgium beat Senegal after what I gather was a very tense match. So we are doing better than Germany and Holland, which is something.
First time I've been woken up by noisy supporters this World Cup
I think I kind assumed you were English for some reason... didn't realise you were Belgiumish. :smile:
you guys have chocolate and JCVD... anything else is a bonus
Hopefully the US will provide Dr. Whom with a better night's sleep on Monday.
Belgium also has waffles and fries, and, most importantly, the world's best beer by far.
Quote from: Dr. Whom on July 02, 2026, 12:47:44 AMAnd we're through! Belgium beat Senegal after what I gather was a very tense match. So we are doing better than Germany and Holland, which is something.
First time I've been woken up by noisy supporters this World Cup
🇧🇪 👍👍🐢
Quote from: Rev. Powell on July 02, 2026, 08:45:28 AMBelgium also has waffles and fries, and, most importantly, the world's best beer by far.
Stella? I've been boringly teetotal for 15 yrs now but I always remember cans of Stella used to have an aroma of something like strawberries when opened... to my nose anyway.
my fav beer was always Tiger.
Quote from: zombie no.one on July 02, 2026, 03:31:03 PMQuote from: Rev. Powell on July 02, 2026, 08:45:28 AMBelgium also has waffles and fries, and, most importantly, the world's best beer by far.
Stella? I've been boringly teetotal for 15 yrs now but I always remember cans of Stella used to have an aroma of something like strawberries when opened... to my nose anyway.
my fav beer was always Tiger.
You jest, of course.
(https://static01.nyt.com/images/2010/02/24/dining/24pourspan-1/24pourspan-1-articleLarge.jpg)
I have soft spots for Chimay blue label and Duvel.
hahaha yeah it's just the first thing that came to mind, I know you are a classier guy than that Rev
can't see it in that pic there but I've realised Leffe is Belgian... was downing a lot of those at one point
(update: Spain knocked out Austria. 3 goals but kind of a boring game tbh)
Quote from: zombie no.one on July 02, 2026, 05:47:21 PMhahaha yeah it's just the first thing that came to mind, I know you are a classier guy than that Rev
can't see it in that pic there but I've realised Leffe is Belgian... was downing a lot of those at one point
As I said in a different thread on this forum, I can just about see the brewery of Artois from my window. Now Stella is one of the several standard lagers we have, the kind you get when you order 'a beer' without specifying. I suppose someone looked at the international success of Heineken, and thought 'we can do that', and now Stella is a premium brand internationally.
Leffe is made by the same group and is looked down upon by the True Craft Beer Connoisseur for that very reason. But don't let that stop you from enjoying it.
Blue Chimay and Duvel are excellent choices. More of a Westmalle Triple man myself, and great fan of the Brussels-made Jambe de Bois.
If I were Belgium I'd be p**sed. If the US wins it will be tainted. Infantino has to go.
Even as a non-football fan this shocked me. I've never heard of anything remotely like that ever happening before.
Quote from: Alex on July 06, 2026, 09:17:41 AMEven as a non-football fan this shocked me. I've never heard of anything remotely like that ever happening before.
I've been a football fan since 1980 and, aside from what the President of Zaire did to the national team in 1974, this is a first for me too 😳😳
It has caused quite the scandal over here, Not just in Belgium in fact. Even former FIFA chief Sepp Blatter felt he had to speak out on this (which, given his reputation is fairly rich).
So, whatever happens, we are already the moral victors.
The carillon (yes, Leuven has fully functional one, we are quaint and Medieval that way) just played the national anthem, followed by 'We are the champions'
I heard UEFA (the European football association) has made a statement in support of Belgium. I would imagine that they are one of the more powerful groups under the FIFA umbrella (but I could be entirely wrong there, that is just my guess).
And there was much rejoicing
Looks like all trump's attempt at cheating did was fire Belgium up. I wonder if he'll try phoning FIFA to ask the goals to be disallowed?
That jackass put the US in a no win position. Lose, you lose. Win, everyone says you cheated. Oh well, now I can throw my full support to Spain.
Quote from: Rev. Powell on July 07, 2026, 10:02:14 AMThat jackass put the US in a no win position. Lose, you lose. Win, everyone says you cheated. Oh well, now I can throw my full support to Spain.
Indeed. Even if they'd have went on and won the cup that victory would always have been tainted by it, in the same way that Maradona's hand of god moment or the was it a goal or not debate from the 1966 final are still argued about today.
Quote from: Alex on July 07, 2026, 07:36:00 AMLooks like all trump's attempt at cheating did was fire Belgium up. I wonder if he'll try phoning FIFA to ask the goals to be disallowed?
Actually, Trump's with Belgium on this one....
The joke I keep seeing on social media are variations on
"FIFA cancels result of the game. Decided Balogun shouldn't have been allowed to take part."
Argentina came from 2 goals down to bump Egypt out.
FIFA have now set a precedent. Every player who gets red-carded will be appealing it.
And an update: Switzerland beat Colombia on penalties.
this is the first day with no games since it started...
hoping Norway can silence England's 'heroes' on Saturday. Haaland will be a problem for them
Vengeance for Stamford Bridge!
Everywhere people are claiming that this year's tournament is rigged in favour of Argentina 🤔
I wonder which nation has had the best chants at the games this year?
I quite liked the USA crowd's chant of: "Soccerball! Soccerball! We're gonna score a home run in the third quarter!"... (think that's what they were singing?)
I predict France will demolish Morrocco later, but an upset would be nice
Quote from: zombie no.one on July 09, 2026, 01:45:29 PMI predict France will demolish Morrocco later, but an upset would be nice
There are historical precedents
A lot of games with big teams vs small teams seem to be running the same script.
Small team goes ahead 1 or 2 goals early on.
Big team catches up and goes ahead late in the second half.
It's like they are running on an AI plot or something.
Quote from: Dr. Whom on July 09, 2026, 02:11:56 PMQuote from: zombie no.one on July 09, 2026, 01:45:29 PMI predict France will demolish Morrocco later, but an upset would be nice
There are historical precedents
well I didn't pay much attention in history class, but France should've won that by a lot more imo
¡Vamos, España!
interesting first half... don't really have a favourite here, but guess I will cheer on our Dr Whom's homeland. (assuming that's not Gallifrey)
Quote from: zombie no.one on July 10, 2026, 03:12:22 PMinteresting first half... don't really have a favourite here, but guess I will cheer on our Dr Whom's homeland. (assuming that's not Gallifrey)
Bad choice.
jinxed it :buggedout:
Quote from: zombie no.one on July 10, 2026, 04:23:07 PMjinxed it :buggedout:
Then get a head start on rooting for France, please.
you couldn't even bribe me to do that :bouncegiggle:
(actually in the previous final the Argentine keeper was so obnoxious that I did feel a tiny bit of sympathy for France when they lost, but that was a one-off)
England beat Norway and Argentina and Switzerland are up next.
Sad news: Jayden Adams, one of the South African players at the World Cup took his own life sadly 😔❤️🌹
Spain are now in the World Cup final on 19th July after beating France.
Not sure who will win between Argentina and England tomorrow.
Adopting Spain as my team to root for proved a wise choice.
Argentina 8 - 0 England.
that's my prediction based on factors such as which team has the most aerodynamic hairstyles, and which team eats 3 shredded wheat for breakfast.
Quote from: zombie no.one on July 15, 2026, 08:42:46 AMArgentina 8 - 0 England.
that's my prediction based on factors such as which team has the most aerodynamic hairstyles, and which team eats 3 shredded wheat for breakfast.
Oy 😳😄😀😃😃😀🐢
well that was a fairly satisfying way for us to go out. however neither side played like a world class team there.
Quote from: zombie no.one on July 15, 2026, 04:34:16 PMwell that was a fairly satisfying way for us to go out. however neither side played like a world class team there.
I really think Argentina have had it a little too easy in this tournament. One of the Argentinian players clearly punched an England player in the head. No foul, no red card 😳
Quote from: Trevor on July 15, 2026, 04:51:42 PMQuote from: zombie no.one on July 15, 2026, 04:34:16 PMwell that was a fairly satisfying way for us to go out. however neither side played like a world class team there.
I really think Argentina have had it a little too easy in this tournament. One of the Argentinian players clearly punched an England player in the head. No foul, no red card 😳
yeah I agree there do seem to have been some questionable refereeing decisions in this world cup, weighted toward certain teams. argentina being one
Spain must leave no doubt. Crush them. :hatred:
There were a lot of people in work yesterday singing the Footballs Coming Home song. I resisted the temptation this morning to change the lyrics to England's Coming Home. Based on their previous matches I did expect them to go out the first time they faced a big footballing nation and thought they'd been a bit lucky to get as far as they did, but fair play to them for getting there.
Looking forward to it all being over and there being something else in the news.
well, there's one game left...
Spain would feel like more worthy winners, the Argies seem to have got to the final with a playing style that doesn't seem the most 'sporting' to say the least
gonna predict 3 - 1 to Spain
that was such an awkward game to watch... and no idea what Tom Cruise's speech was about? (far from the weirdest moment of the 'entertainment' though.)
Argentina players brawling after the final whistle was so scummy
Argentina did not seem classy. Glad my adopted team one. See you in 4 years, maybe the US will be more competitive then (though I doubt it).
And now Gianni Infantino's new plan to increase the $$$ for FIFA has been given the middle finger by many of the soccer playing nations. 😆😄😀
Quote from: Trevor on July 30, 2026, 03:14:44 PMAnd now Gianni Infantino's new plan to increase the $$$ for FIFA has been given the middle finger by many of the soccer playing nations. 😆😄😀
Apparently the major investor behind this is the brother of trumps son-in-law. I know the European football organisation has threatened to boycott the world cup, but I haven't heard about the other major organisations take on it. I wonder if we'll end up with a breakaway group doing their own things?